Dictionary-enhanced word family
Word Forms of “Average”
Ordinary or typical; neither very good nor very bad; in the middle.
Word Family of Average
Some English words keep the same spelling as a noun and a verb. Context tells you which form is being used.
How to Use Each Word Form in a Sentence
- The average temperature in summer is around 25 degrees Celsius. A1
- That restaurant serves average food at high prices, so I prefer to eat elsewhere. A2
- The average lifespan has increased significantly due to improvements in healthcare. B1
Word Form Patterns for Average
-ly
Adds **-ly** to make an adverb describing how an action happens. Example: average → averagely.
Origin and Word Formation of Average
From Arabic avaria (damage to merchandise) - through Italian and Old French; maritime term.
Average is key in education: average grades and average performance metrics shape social comparison.
Common Word Form Mistakes with Average
Wrong: His English skills are average.
Correct: His English skills are at an average level.
When average is an adjective before a noun (average student), no article is needed. But after is (predicate position), use at an average level or simply use as a noun: average is acceptable but at an average level is more explicit.
Wrong: The average of these scores are 85.
Correct: The average of these scores is 85.
Average used as a noun (the average = singular concept) takes is, not are. One result (the average) requires singular verb.
Frequently Asked Questions About Word Forms of Average
What are the word forms of “average”?
The confirmed forms are shown in the word family cards above. Missing parts of speech are hidden instead of filled with placeholder text.
What part of speech is “average”?
“average” is primarily a adj. Some forms above show how the same root works as other parts of speech.
Can “average” be both a noun and a verb?
Yes. Some words keep the same spelling across parts of speech; the surrounding sentence shows the function.
Where does “average” come from?
From Arabic avaria (damage to merchandise) - through Italian and Old French; maritime term.